Three of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's 17 ministers confirmed Tuesday they will visit Yasukuni Shrine on Aug. 15, the anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.
The three are Finance Minister Masajuro Shiokawa; Takeo Hiranuma, minister of economy, trade and industry; and Jin Murai, national public safety commission chairman.
Five of the remaining 14 ministers would not publicly state their intentions.